Ash's Pokémon Travel Has Big Problems

Ash turned around and took one last look in the direction of the park.

Meow Meow remained standing in the same spot, her small figure appearing somewhat lonely and lost in the open space, gazing into the distance in the direction they had left.

"...It will come looking for us again."

"After all, I promised to help it catch up on its lessons, didn't I?"

Xiao Zhi's tone suggested that he had everything under control.

Ninety-nine percent of the Pokémon in this world crave power.

Ash gave Meowth the impression that he could help him gain power.

"Pikachu!" Pikachu blinked its bright black eyes, finally realizing what it meant, and slapped its forehead with its little paw.

So that's how it is!

—You're so cunning, partner!

—But I like it~

"Pika~ Pika~" Pikachu rubbed its cheek against Ash's neck.

“That’s not called being cunning, Pikachu,” Ash corrected it with a laugh. “That’s called ‘sustainable overexploitation.’”

"Let's go."

He said no more and started walking.

"Go to the Cerulean Gym."

"Let's see what kind of 'welcome ceremony' Xiaoxia has prepared for us."

"Partner~"

"Do you want to fight with Xiaoxia?"

Xiao Zhi actually really wanted to see electric fishing~~

"Pikachu?" Pikachu was also a little conflicted.

The sunlight cast long shadows of them, stretching towards the blue dojo shrouded in mist.

And in the distant park behind them.

Meow Meow remained standing in the same spot, the sea breeze ruffling its wet fur.

Ash's last words, "Someone will come to bail them out," kept echoing in its ears.

Meowth stared in the direction Ash had disappeared, its green eyes filled with an unprecedentedly complex emotion.

That boy...

How much does he know?

What exactly does he want to do?

For the first time, Meowth discovered that the so-called "freedom" made it feel even more lost than when it was bound by the Poké Ball.

The more he thought about it, the more his head ached.

"What should I do...meow..."

……

……

(Is the cat's system bugged again? Or has some new feature been added that I'm unaware of?)

(My replies to other people's comments always go back to my own account...it's ridiculous)

Chapter 39 Cerulean Gym: Misty, corrupted by Ash

The entrance to the Cerulean Gym is less a battle facility and more a bustling, giant water park.

It's completely different from the simple tent-like structure in the original anime.

It's huge here.

Very big.

A huge glass dome envelops the interior space.

Sunlight refracts through the water ripples, casting shimmering spots of light.

The air was filled with a peculiar smell of chlorine, popcorn, and damp moisture.

There are many Water-type Pokémon here, and their strength varies greatly, but the overall level is quite good.

It's less of a floating zoo and more of a water-type Pokémon army.

Well... it's clear that Cerulean Dojo has a solid foundation.

In a sense, as the military district of Cerulean City, this is more in line with the identity and status of the Cerulean City Gym, right?

Otherwise, if wild Pokémon go berserk or there's any group activity:

For example, after Magikarp evolves into Gyarados, it unleashes its fury and fires Hyper Beam everywhere.

For example, when the giant rock monster emerges from underground due to an earthquake or other factors, it releases a massive energy storm.

For example, if a crystal chandelier is teeming with spirits, it needs to be dispelled, otherwise it will prey on the souls of the living.

For example, clumps of sludge can severely pollute the environment and damage forests and water resources.

...and so on, these are all issues that need to be handled by gym leaders in different regions.

In particular, the clearing of roads connecting cities.

Meanwhile, Cerulean City is also responsible for clearing waterways and sea lanes... to prevent powerful Water-type Pokémon from crowding into the waterways.

Human civilization is indeed very prosperous, but this prosperity is also easily destroyed.

And all of the above... can we really expect ordinary aquariums to suppress them?

This is obviously impossible.

The essence of all status and position is still power.

Because they bear such obligations, the alliance grants them those rights.

only……

The only problem is that Ash didn't see many Gym Leaders.

Besides trainers who come to join the gym leader out of admiration, another part of the so-called gym trainers consists of apprentices trained by the gym leader himself.

This can also be considered as the military force of a power.

It seems that the Cerulean Dojo isn't very good at this.

If a dojo cannot fulfill its responsibilities, then its status will be in jeopardy.

Ash thinks Misty must be under a lot of pressure... Cerulean Gym urgently needs a strong Gym Leader.

While sightseeing, Xiaozhi pondered the situation.

He followed the "Gym Challenge" sign through the crowded tourist area, surrounded by the sounds of children's laughter and the splashes of Water-type Pokémon leaping out of the water.

Aside from their overall lack of strength, Cerulean Dojo is quite good in other aspects.

Finally, Ash stopped in front of a giant swimming pool marked "Gym Core Area".

The swimming pool was crystal clear and blue, surrounded by tiered stands, which were now filled with excited spectators.

In the center of the pool, three young women with different hair colors stood on a floating platform, swaying their bodies to lively music and directing several goldfish and starfish to form a complex formation.

Are they holding synchronized swimming rehearsals at the dojo?

The problem is not big.

There seem to be quite a few dojo owners in this world who don't do their jobs properly.

Even among the Elite Four champions, many Pokémon trainers have a bunch of strange hobbies.

Trainers who are purely passionate about battling are actually quite rare; not everyone is a battle maniac.

“Pikachu…” The Pikachu on the shoulder tilted its head, pointed its little paw at the water, and looked confused.

—Is this place really for fighting?

Pikachu thought this place was too improper.

Uh... it will encounter even more unconventional Pokémon trainers in the future.

By then, it will probably be used to it.

Ash casually patted Pikachu, his gaze sweeping over the three women.

These three must be Xiaoxia's older sisters.

However, Xiao Zhi couldn't remember which one was which.

After all, these three are not important characters; it's already quite good that Xiaozhi remembers these three people.

Out of politeness, Xiaozhi did not disturb the three of them while they were performing.

As the music drew to a close, the three women ended their performance with a slightly exaggerated dance move, earning them a round of enthusiastic applause from the audience.

Sakura, the blonde eldest sister, was the first to notice Ash and Pikachu standing at the entrance.

Her eyes lit up, she swam to the edge of the pool, put her arm around the bank, and said with a smile:

"Oh my, a cute challenger with Pikachu? What a rare guest! I'm Sakura, welcome to the Cerulean Gym!"

Sakura's gaze swept over Ash, tinged with a playful curiosity.

Although the three sisters aren't particularly talented trainers, they do have a good eye for people.

The boy in front of me seems to have some potential!

The blue-haired Ayame leaned over lazily and yawned: "Another trainer on a trip...troublesome."

"I'm already very tired from today's performance."

She glanced at Xiaozhi, "Little brother, how about watching the show first? Or going to the amusement park outside?"

The pink-haired peony simply nodded quietly as a greeting, her attention seemingly still focused on the rhythm of the performance.

Ash pulled down his hat brim, his calm voice cutting through the noise in the arena: "I am Ash from Pallet Town, here to challenge the Gym."

Sakura's smile widened upon hearing this, her tone slightly coaxing, as if she were speaking to a child: "A challenge?"

"Okay, okay~ But look, little brother, we just finished performing, and the Pokémon are all tired."

"And gym battles are really tough, you know, do you want to..." Sakura tried to use some persuasive language to test her future brother-in-law.

however.

Before she could finish speaking, a suppressed angry voice came from the passageway behind her—

"Sisters!"

Xiaoxia strode over, already dressed in a different outfit, her orange ponytail swaying slightly with her hurried steps.

"I told you to wait for Ash to arrive before the gym competition assessment, what are you doing!"

Her face showed obvious anger and a hint of embarrassment.

This scene was clearly not part of his plan.

"Xiaoxia?" Sakura blinked in surprise. "We're going to test your boyfriend..."

"That's not what I came here for!" Xiaoxia immediately interrupted her.

If people were to say such things out loud... how could they possibly live their lives?

Xiaoxia's gaze swept over her three older sisters and their Pokémon, which were clearly more suited to performances than battles.

Then he looked at Ash, took a deep breath, as if he had made up his mind.

Xiaoxia turned to Xiaozhi, her expression unusually serious, even carrying a sense of desperation:

"Ash!"

"I'll set the challenge rules for the Cerulean Gym!"

"Your opponent is me!"